Donations still needed for Salvation Army campaign

Donations being accepted through end of January

While the Salvation Army Christmas Gift of Hope campaign is nearing the goal of $525,000, there is still a shortfall of $41,000.

“Through the generosity of the community, the red kettle campaign raised over its $200,000 goal, but the Gift of Hope Christmas campaign has only raised 92 percent of its $525,000 goal,” according to a Salvation Army news release Tuesday.

Maj. Brian Burkett, corps officer for the Salvation Army, said, “The money we raise at Christmas influences our yearly budget by one-third, and if we are unable to raise that money, then it will have an impact on those in need in our community that depend on us for basic human needs.”

The Salvation Army provides year-round social services. One program especially important is the Community Meal program that provides a hot meal Monday through Friday year-round for homeless, transient or low-income individuals and families. Last year, more than 16,000 meals were served.

The social service department also provides for an emergency food pantry and rent/utility assistance for those who are facing eviction or disconnection. It also offers limited medical assistance for prescriptions for those without insurance.

Funding also helps offset the cost between the actual cost of care and the true cost of care for families who have children in the Salvation Army’s Child Care Center.

More than 68 percent of the toddlers and preschoolers who are provided child care are from low-income families. Donations through the end of January will count toward the Salvation Army’s Christmas Gift of Hope Campaign. Donations can be made by: